Visit VEMU with Doors Open Toronto

This year, VEMU will be participating in the Doors Open Toronto “Hidden Histories” weekend on May 25 & 26 from 10-5 each day.

VEMU’s home, Tartu College, was built in 1970 by Canadian Estonian architect Elmar Tampõld. Tartu College is known to Torontonians mostly as a student residence, but for local Estonians, it is one of their most important cultural community centres, that hosts diverse and lively cultural events.

Over the course of the weekend, guests will have the chance to tour the building’s G-floor public spaces (the hall, gallery, library) as well as those that are usually restricted to the general public, such as rooms that are used by Estonian academic organizations. With the guidance of our archivists, guests can also visit the VEMU archives to view our archival- and museum collections. These collections the largest Estonian-themed collections outside of Estonia.

Guests can also view the new photo exhibit by Malev Toom. The exhibit is dedicated to the city of Tartu, the 2024 European Capital of Culture.

On Saturday, May 25th, in the main hall, Toronto-Estonian Erik Laar will be spinning some LP’s recorded and produced by Estonian-Canadians, which can be found in VEMU’s audio collection. 

We will be also be offering coffee and snacks. 

Doors Open is free event with no registration required.